Page 63 of Wedding Cake Carnage

Noah opens the door and lets Britney step inside first. He walks over and takes a deep breath, his evergreen eyes never leaving mine.

“Lottie, Everett.” Noah is charged. There’s a spark in his eyes that I haven’t seen in a very long time. “I’ve asked Britney to relay something to you.”

Britney tips her head, and a long silky wave of creamy blonde hair covers one eye as if it held a secret.

Britney’s pouty lips pump a short-lived smile. “I’ve made the decision to proceed with the divorce. If all goes well, the papers should be final sometime next month. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a table reserved for two. I’m expecting your brother, Finn, at any moment.” She takes off deeper into the restaurant and leaves my jaw on the floor.

For a while now, having Noah tangled up in a marital nightmare has been my saving grace in a way. But now it feels as if the floodgates have opened, and all hell is about to break loose inside of me. I’m more confused than ever. Yes, I’m dating Everett, but Noah and I have a history—and despite Britney, it’s one I look upon fondly.

Noah looks to Everett with an ice-cold stare. “You heard her. My divorce will be final in weeks. Should we tell her?”

I inch back, glancing briefly at Cormack who’s staring vacantly at her phone a few feet away. “Tellme? Tell me what?”

Noah nods. “Everett and I had a nice long talk this morning—before I knew anything about Britney’s surprise. He agreed it’s only fair that you explore your feelings for me.”

My heart gives a violent wallop as Everett indulges in a long blink.

“It’s true, Lemon. I don’t want to hold you back if you have very real feelings for him. It’s time to shut that door forever before we can move on to the next phase.” He picks up my hand and touches that rock on my finger. “I want you to be certain. No regrets.”

No regrets.

I take a deep breath as Keelie bounces over and seats us for dinner—a dinner I’m already regretting.

Everett is loosening his grip over my heart to see if I’ll fly away to someone else.

Noah is hoping I’ll return to him.

Both Noah and Everett have my love and both would like to have it fully.

And once the ink is dry on Noah’s divorce, it’s open season on my heart.

I can’t see a single thing that can go wrong with this.

Mostly.